Budget-Friendly Vegetarian Quinoa Salad Recipe: Affordable Meals for the Family

Embark on a journey of refreshing goodness with Quinoa Salad, a delightful creation featuring the wholesome trio of quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and the creamy addition of feta. This salad not only satisfies your palate but also offers a light and nutritious option for a satisfying dinner. Join us in exploring a simple yet vibrant recipe that embraces the versatility of quinoa, making it the star of a refreshing salad that brings joy to your dining experience.

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Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cook Quinoa:
    • In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until quinoa is cooked and water is absorbed. Fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
  2. Prepare Vegetables and Cheese:
    • In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
  3. Assemble the Salad:
    • Add the cooled quinoa to the bowl with vegetables and cheese. Gently toss the ingredients to combine.
  4. Drizzle with Dressing:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa salad.
  5. Season and Toss:
    • Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss the salad ingredients until evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. Chill or Serve Immediately:
    • Refrigerate the quinoa salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Alternatively, serve it immediately for a fresh and crisp experience.
  7. Optional Lemon Squeeze:
    • Before serving, offer lemon wedges on the side for those who want to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.

Quinoa Salad is not just a dinner option; it’s a refreshing bliss that combines the nuttiness of quinoa with the juiciness of cherry tomatoes, the crispness of cucumbers, and the creamy texture of feta. This recipe is a simple yet vibrant creation that showcases the versatility of quinoa as the foundation for a delightful salad. So, savor the goodness, relish the freshness, and embrace the joy that comes with each forkful. It’s a light and satisfying dish that adds a touch of wholesome vibrancy to your dinner table.

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